Thunder in search of help

STOCKTON - The shorthanded Thunder found a new forward and is searching for a defenseman entering today's game.

Scott Linesburgh

STOCKTON - The shorthanded Thunder found a new forward and is searching for a defenseman entering today's game.

The franchise signed rookie forward Matt Lyall and coach Matt Thomas would like to add a defender before Stockton takes on the San Francisco Bulls at 7 p.m. today at Stockton Arena. Lyall is expected to be available to play against the Bulls.

Thomas praised Lyall as a good, young player who is coming out of the University of Guelph in Ontario. In his senior season with the Gryphons, Lyall had 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists) in 27 games and was their second-leading scorer.

"He's fast and he's a good secondary scorer," Thomas said. "He's a good player."

Lyall, 25, became available after Guelph was eliminated from the playoffs on Feb. 23. He said a few teams showed interest and made contact with Thomas in the past week.

"Thankfully (the Thunder) was interested," Lyall said. "This is a very good opportunity for me and I'm excited to get the chance to play pro."

Thomas said his biggest concern is the Thunder's lack of depth on the blue line. Tony DeHart is out with a lower body injury and Stockton (32-24-9, 73 points) has five active defenseman on its roster after moving Colton Hayes back from the forward position in Sunday's 4-3 win against Ontario.

Thomas said DeHart should be back fairly soon, but he still needs to add a player.

"We're down on numbers, and I'm trying to get a guy to come in," Thomas said. "If I can't get someone, we'll just have to go with five."

Thomas said there's a chance he could move personnel but likely would keep defenders Ryan Constant and Mike Little together, as well as Nathan Deck and Shawn Bolton. Hayes will team with the addition or be the swing player.

The Bulls (23-34-7, 51 points) have not secured an ECHL playoff berth but have an eight-point lead over Bakersfield for the eighth and final spot. Stockton clinched on Feb. 24 and holds the fourth seed.